Land Drainage

Land Drainage Strategy | Flooding | Tides | Principal Legislation | Statutory Definitions | Other Responsible Bodies   

Land drainage can be the responsibility of a number of different people:-

Individual owners are responsible for the drainage of their own land and for accepting and dealing with the natural catchment flows from adjoining land. This Council may carry out land drainage works but is not obliged to do so. It can require land owners to carry out works to maintain land drainage.

If you are planning to alter a watercourse in any way you must consult with your local council to obtain written permission for the work. Drainage is provided in urban areas for a reason and altering the system can increase the flood risk to the surrounding land, if you do conduct work on a watercourse without obtaining permission from your local council you can have notice served on you and have to return the watercourse to its previous state. Watercourses may not flow at all times of the year but they can serve an important drainage purpose in times of excessive rainfall.

In the case of designated main rivers which carry water from the uplands areas through to the sea, certain powers and duties rest with the Environment Agency www.environment-agency.gov.uk (this is an external hyperlink).
 

For further advice on land drainage matters, please contact the Coastal and Land Drainage Officer on Tel: 01329 236100 or e-mail: conservation@fareham.gov.uk.